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How do you find a fossil's absolute age? The absolute age (or direct dating) of a fossil is determined by knowing the age of the surrounding rock. The most common way is by radiometric dating, a method that relies on the natural radioactivity of certain elemental isotopes. Different isotopic elements-such as uranium, rubidium, argon, and carbon-have varying (but constant) rates of radioactive decay. This constancy provides a "radiometric clock," allowing scientists to analyze rock samples and measure the relative ratios between the "parent" and "daughter" isotopes. The ratios reveal the age of the rock layer, and thus, the age of the associated fossil. As with many scientific measurements, although the method is called "absolute," the dates are not exact and there is room for potential errors.

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What must be true for a fossil organism to be useful as a index fossil?

The absolute age of the index fossil was determine by radioactive dating or another absolute method


How is the absolute age of the fossil different from the relative age?

The absolute age of a fossil provides a specific numerical age in years, usually determined through radiometric dating techniques. Relative age, on the other hand, only allows us to determine the fossil's age in relation to other fossils or rocks, based on their layering or sequence in the rock record.


How do you tell how old a fossil is by the rock layer?

You can determine the relative age of a fossil by looking at the position of the fossil in the rock layers. The closer a fossil is to the surface, the younger it is relative to fossils found deeper in the layers. To determine the absolute age of a fossil, scientists use radiometric dating techniques on the surrounding rocks to determine the age of the rock layer the fossil is found in.


What evidence would a scientists use to determine the absolute age of a fossil found in sedimentary rock?

The Igneous intrusions and extrusions near sedimentary layers.


How scientists estimate the age in years of a fossil?

Scientists can use carbon dating to determine the age of a fossil.


Is a fossil a relative or absolute time?

It depends. If you are comparing it to something then it is relative. But if your give it a specific age/year, then it is absolute. ex. Relative: The fossil is younger than the shale. Absolute: The fossils is 1000 years old. *note; even if the age is wrong it would still be classified as absolute time


How do scientist use radioactive elements to determine the actual age of fossils?

scientist can determine a fossil's age in two ways: relative dating and absolute dating


How can someone find the absolute age of a fossil?

By using radiometric or radiocarbon dating.


What to methods are used to determine the age of a rock or fossil?

There are two methods used to determine the age of a rock or fossil. The first is carbon dating and the second is radiometric dating.


What method do geologists to determine the absolute age of a rock?

Radioactive dating is used to determine the absolute ages of rocks. By Jennifer Palos


How do scientists determine age?

by seeing what levels the fossil go to


What is the most common method to determine absolute age?

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